So who is the next coach?

By firing Brad Childress on Monday, the Vikings ownership will get a chance to see how interim coach Leslie Frazier handles himself in that role.

It can be argued that this is an audition for Frazier, who has six games to show Zygi Wilf how he would run the team if he removed the interim label after the season. That might go beyond wins and losses, but more how the players respond to Frazier's direction.

But it also seems likely that the Wilfs have their eye on other candidates and there are certainly a few big-name coaches available. Would Tony Dungy, Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden be interested? All three of those coaches would make a splash and energize the fan base.

There's no doubt the roster will look different next season -- including a new quarterback -- but this team will still have a strong foundation with Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Sidney Rice and Chad Greenway. That nucleus should be attractive when trying to hire a new coach.

Or will the Wilfs look at the hot coordinators around the league? Lets hear it. Who would be your first choice?

Matt Vensel is in his first year at the Star Tribune after covering the Ravens for the Baltimore Sun for six years. He is a Pittsburgh native and a Penn State grad. Follow him at @mattvensel.

Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.

Master Tesfatsion is the Star Tribune’s digital Vikings writer. He is a 2013 graduate of Arizona State and worked for mlb.com before arriving in Minneapolis. Follow him at @masterstrib.